Per Mertesacker is entrusted with the job of collecting fines from Arsenal players in breach of club discipline but the German may find himself going cap in hand to manager Arsene Wenger for his place in the team.

Alex Song insists he will not return to England despite failing to hold down a regular first-team place at Barcelona.

The 25-year-old signed a five-year deal at the Camp Nou after leaving Arsenal for £15million last summer and he said: “It is hard because no [speculation] comes from me. I know I am very happy here, my family is happy here, for sure I will be here next season.”